Te Tohu Tātai Whetū
Certificate in Māori Astronomy
Tirohanga whānui
Study the stars
Discover the wisdom of the skies.
Tātai Whetū is an introduction to Māori astronomy, where you’ll learn how the sun, moon, and stars have guided the lives of our tūpuna for generations.
Through the lens of te ao Māori, you’ll explore how celestial knowledge shapes time, ceremony, and connection to the natural world.
Learn how the heavens shape daily life.
This programme will guide you through traditional practices such as:
Using the sun and stars to tell time
Understanding the cycles of the moon
Connect land markers with celestial movements
You’ll see how these principles influence kai, seasonal ceremonies, and our relationship with te taiao.
Reconnect with Māori knowledge.
By studying Tātai Whetū, you’ll gain practical insights into how the cosmos weaves into everyday life. Whether you’re curious about Māori knowledge systems, passionate about astronomy, or seeking to strengthen your connection with te ao Māori, this programme offers a unique journey through the skies above and the whenua below.
He aha rāu ka whiwhi?
What you'll gain from this programme
Completing this programme means you’ll be able to:
Understand the significance of the sun, moon and stars in te ao Māori
Explore celestial movements as indicators of time and seasonal change
Learn indigenous mahinga kai practices connected to te taiao
Celebrate and strengthen relationships between people and the natural world
Apply mātauranga Māori and environmental knowledge to modern practices
Mā te mahi ka ako
Learn by doing
You will get to:
Explore Māori ceremonies, kai practices, and time-telling
Observe the stars and learn how they connect to our environment
Discover similarities and differences in astronomy-related cultural practices between iwi
Ngā ara e wātea ana
Where will this take me?
Keep studying:
Apply to enrol in a related field, such as:
Use at work:
You’ll have the skills and knowledge to work in a variety of cultural advisory roles within organisations such as:
Kura or wānanga
Iwi-based organisations
Government agencies
Private businesses
Tourism
Community involvement:
Contribute to your whānau, hapū and community boards as a:
Maramataka advisor
Matariki coordinator
Cultural educator
Environmental kaitiaki
Cultural resource advisor
Ritual and ceremony facilitator
Whānau and hapū navigator
Trustee
He meka
Quick facts
- Level 4 (Intermediate)
- 60 Credits
- 20 Weeks
- NZ Certificate in Māori Astronomy (Level 4)
- No fees
- NZQA Accredited
Paearu whakauru
Entry criteria
You can enrol if you:
Are 16 years or older
Are a NZ citizen or resident (includes Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau) or Australian citizen/permanent resident
Currently reside in New Zealand
Te wā
Time commitment
This programme is:
Full-time
60 credits
20 weeks long (includes holiday breaks)
Classroom-based, with workshops and noho marae
Kōnae ako
Learning modules
Ki hea, mō āhea hoki au ako ai?
Where and when can I learn?
Kaupapa anamata
Upcoming events
Harakeke & Weave
Harakeke & Weave, Ōtautahi
He Puāwaitanga Ōpōtiki 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Ōpōtiki
Te Ao Māori Foundation Workshop
Te Ao Māori Foundation Workshop, Dunedin
Kōwhaiwhai & Paint
Kōwhaiwhai & Paint, Heretaunga
Pitopito kōrero o te wā
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